Neuroscientists with a focus on mindfulness believe the brain will change if people can learn to moderate the animal-like brain stem and limbic system.
The prefrontal cortex can regulate the limbic system. According to Rick Hanson and Richard Mendius (2009), "inhibition from the prefrontal cortex (PFC) and arousal from the limbic system must balance each other: too much inhibition and you feel numb inside, too much arousal and you feel overwhelmed" (p.32).
By exhaling, one can activate the parasympathetic nervous system and tone down the stress response of the limbic system and brain stem (Hanson & Mendius, 2009, p. 80-81). One can even practice breathing "in" peace and breathing "out" stress (Hanson & Mendius, 2009, p. 80-87). Rick Hanson (2009) also believed that dwelling on positive experiences can decrease stress-related hormones (p. 76, 85). Even imagining a positive images like a "grandmother" rooted tree or "angel"- could restructure the emotional areas of brain prone to isolation and negativity (Hanson & Mendius, 2009, p. 79, 89).
References Hanson, R., & Mendius, R. (2009). Buddha's brain the practical neuroscience of happiness, love, & wisdom. Oakland, CA: New Harbinger Publications.
The prefrontal cortex can regulate the limbic system. According to Rick Hanson and Richard Mendius (2009), "inhibition from the prefrontal cortex (PFC) and arousal from the limbic system must balance each other: too much inhibition and you feel numb inside, too much arousal and you feel overwhelmed" (p.32).
By exhaling, one can activate the parasympathetic nervous system and tone down the stress response of the limbic system and brain stem (Hanson & Mendius, 2009, p. 80-81). One can even practice breathing "in" peace and breathing "out" stress (Hanson & Mendius, 2009, p. 80-87). Rick Hanson (2009) also believed that dwelling on positive experiences can decrease stress-related hormones (p. 76, 85). Even imagining a positive images like a "grandmother" rooted tree or "angel"- could restructure the emotional areas of brain prone to isolation and negativity (Hanson & Mendius, 2009, p. 79, 89).
References
Hanson, R., & Mendius, R. (2009). Buddha's brain the practical neuroscience of happiness, love, & wisdom. Oakland, CA: New Harbinger Publications.
NeuroLeadership (2010, January 21). Dr. Daniel Siegel presenting a hand model of the brain. [Video file]. Retrieved from
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DD-lfP1FBFk
TEDx Talks (2013, September 9). The lethality of loneliness: John Cacioppo at TEDxDesMoines. [Video file]. Retrieved from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_0hxl03JoA0